What It's Like Being Front-Row at the MTV Movie Awards, as Told by a First-Timer

It'll be like you were there too! Well, almost.

Teen Vogue beauty and health director Elaine Welteroth, right in the thick of the action.

Who wouldn't jump at the chance to sit front row at a star-studded awards show? Thanks to the nice folks at Got2b, I was whisked out of my real life in New York City and transported into the heart of Hollywood for a front-row seat at the MTV Movie Awards. I even got the red carpet treatment (including an epic haircut by Lupita and Zendaya's mane man—deets to come!).

It was my first time attending an awards show (hello golden popcorn!), and I couldn't help but compare the experience to an epic movie date—only way, way cooler! Let me count the ways...

1. You can actually buy tickets!
Unlike the Oscars or the Grammys, which are uber-exclusive and invite-only, the MTV Movie Awards opens their doors to movie stars and movie lovers alike. Just imagine weaving through the aisles to find your seat, and passing Sports Illustrated cover girl (and everyone's twitter BFF) Chrissy Teigan or a nearly unrecognizably chic-looking Nicki Minaj waving to fans in a black, curve-hugging gown. I mean, seriously, pinch me!

Some ticket holders get the bonus privilege of serving as professional "seat fillers" for the night. Not quite sure how you get the gig but it's a sweet one. During commercial breaks someone wearing a headset shuttles you from seat to even-better-seat, closing any gaps in the audience. (It's like a carefully orchestrated, secret-service-level game of musical chairs, except there are live performances with Rihanna involved!) That means you could go from sitting next to your best friend to cozying up next to Seth Rogan. Sure you may have to give it up for Mila Kunis, but for a solid six minutes at least, you got to know what it feels like to sit in her charmed seat.

The democratic vibe extended way beyond the walls of L.A.'s celeb-studded Nokia Theater, with an open-to-the-public ballot that invites anyone to vote for their favorite actors and films. So, whether you're sitting amongst the stars or watching from your couch, you get to be part of the judging committee right from your phone!

2. There's popcorn! Golden popcorn!

OK, it's not actually golden, but they do serve popcorn to the audience! In fact, it's the exact same buttery, salty, deliciousness you get at your local movie theatre. Only difference? You get to eat it alongside a sea of snacking celebs while being collectively put to shame when Rita Ora rips Zac Efron's shirt off during his acceptance for Best Shirtless Performance, revealing some seriously killer abs…

3. It's just plain fun.

Just like going to the movies with friends, the vibe inside the MTV Movie Awards is all about having a good time. It's the joke-filled, bottoned-down, not-at-all-pretentious red carpet event to cap off the long, stressful, super serious awards season. And for big stars like Shailene Woodley, Rita Ora, Bella Thorne, Amanda Seyfried, and Rihanna (just to name a few!), celebs come to have a good time!

Last night, Conan O'Brian kept the hilarity coming and the presenters followed suit. Nicki Minaj snapped the selfie above with her gal pals just moments before taking the stage with them in the funniest skit of the night. The crowd roared as she and her Other Woman co-stars Cameron Diaz, Kate Upton, and Leslie Mann set out to to "emasculate" their male counterparts onstage. Note to self: Totally stealing Nicki Minaj's nickname for my celeb crush: "Matthew McConaug-heeeey!"

4. People-watching is the best part.

Speaking of letting your hair down, I had to do a double-take when I saw ponytail-loving Zendaya looking supermodel stunning heading to her seat with long waves cascading down the back of her skin-tight Ungara dress. No matter what action-packed performances you came to see (if you missed Rihanna and Eminem's, do yourself a favor and go watch it now!), sometimes people-watching is the best part.

Curious about her epic transformation, I asked her hairstylist, who I hung out with after the show, for the behind-the-scenes scoop. "We wanted to go with an easy, fun look to complement her patterned dress," says hair pro Larry Sims. "The side-swept fringe and a bit of a root lift gave her loose waves a red carpet-ready finish." To get the look, he used Smooth N Shine GoPro Creme Oil before blowing out her naturally curly strands and then finished with Got2b Rise N Shine Hairspray to give her effortless waves a moveable hold.

So, what else do you want to know about the big night?! Tell me in the comments!